The Great South Run has been cancelled as Storm Ashley is set to batter the country with strong wind and rain.

The ten-mile run, which attracts tens of thousands of people to Portsmouth each year, was set to take place tomorrow.

But with heavy rain and strong gusts due to batter the coast with the arrival of the storm, organisers took the decision to call it off as they could not 'guarantee the safe delivery of the event'.

In a statement to those taking part, they said: "We know how disappointing this is and we hope you can understand why this decision has been made.

"Thank you for your patience and understanding."

Participants will be contacted in the coming week with more details about how to roll their entry over into next year's event on Sunday, October 19, or get a refund.

The Met Office has put yellow wind warnings in place tomorrow for Scotland and the north of England, with an amber 'danger to life' warning for north-west Scotland.

In Hampshire, heavy rain is forecast from 8am to 12pm, with wind speeds of up to 42mph.

Statement from run organisers in full

We’re really sorry to confirm that this year's Great South Run (10 miles), scheduled to take place on Sunday 20 October, has been cancelled due to the forecasted high winds and rain.

We’ve been closely monitoring the weather conditions and unfortunately they haven't improved to a point where we can safely stage Sunday’s event.

The forecasted winds and gusts compromise our event infrastructure including our medical facilities at the finish and around the course. This combined with high tide levels, potential debris, and the exposure along the seafront mean that we can’t guarantee the safe delivery of the event. Safety of our participants, staff and volunteers is our number one priority.

We haven’t taken this decision lightly and have been liaising closely with the Met Office, medical & safety teams, local authorities and key stakeholders throughout the week to make the best informed decision.

We know how disappointing this is and we hope you can understand why this decision has been made.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.